Thursday, July 22, 2010

Walking Tour of Rome

I have walked and walked and walked the city of Rome. I have visited 5 times now and each time fought with that map and the horribly crooked streets that are hard to follow. But I was determined to see as much as I could in the short time that I had. And I did. I loved it all.

I loved the Spanish Steps, at the Piazza de Spagna. I would love to just sit at the steps with someone and "hang out" for a while. But there is always such limited time and I have to hurry to get to the next site.

The Fontana de Trevi is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. I could spend hours shooting that architecture.

The Trevi Fountain is a little difficult to find on your own. The surrounding streets are crooked and not all of them appear on the map. I am not that great with a map in the first place, and have no sense of direction. But suddenly you turn a corner and there it is.

The figures in the fountain tell a story. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. (I emptied my purse).

Continuing on to Castel Sant'Angelo, the cylindrical building that used to be a fortress, now a museum. Once used as a prison, the Popes turned it into a castle. This castle is connected to St. Peter's Basilica (The Vatican).

I've also visited the Pantheon, the most complete ancient building in Rome. It is absolutely worth it to take the time and go inside. The dome is amazing. Michelangelo studied this dome before beginning his work on St. Peter's Basilica.

Also steeped in history is the Colosseum. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles.

I love every bit of Rome and can not wait to go back sometime and walk the city again.

Hello, friends...

Welcome to my travel journal. I have been fortunate enough to work in the travel industry for so many years, and have been to some great places. This is a combination of my photos and memories about some of my travel. Enjoy!

The traveler...

...dances through life in full color. Live, laugh, love, explore. The joy of new discovery is unveiled at every turn.

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About Me

Photography and travel continue to be my favorite pastimes. I have been fortunate enough to travel to some amazing places that still pull at my heartstrings. Growing up in a small town in Minnesota, you don't often get to see the penguins of Antarctica, climb the Great Wall of China, and stand in awe in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. When I'm not traveling, I photograph flowers, birds and other nature. My camera has become my inspiration for creativity, and I have discovered a whole new world.